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Deuteronomy 13:19 - Obeying God's righteous commandments

Deuteronomy 13:19 - דברים 13:19

Hebrew Text

כִּי תִשְׁמַע בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לַעֲשׂוֹת הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

when thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Ki tishma b'kol Adonai Elohecha lishmor et kol mitzvotav asher anochi metzav'cha hayom la'asot hayashar b'einei Adonai Elohecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י תִשְׁמַ֗ע בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לִשְׁמֹר֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ הַיָּשָׁ֔ר בְּעֵינֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כִּ֣י תִשְׁמַ֗ע בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לִשְׁמֹר֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ הַיָּשָׁ֔ר בְּעֵינֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 13:19) emphasizes the importance of heeding the commandments of Hashem as conveyed through Moshe Rabbeinu. It serves as a foundational principle in Jewish thought—that obedience to mitzvot is not merely ritualistic but an expression of aligning one's actions with divine will.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "when thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God" refers to attentiveness in both learning and performing mitzvot. He highlights that the phrase "to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord" implies acting beyond the letter of the law (lifnim mishuras hadin), demonstrating a deeper commitment to righteousness.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos De'os 1:6-7), Rambam teaches that fulfilling mitzvot requires proper intent—lishmah—meaning for the sake of serving Hashem rather than personal gain. This aligns with the verse's call to "do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord," emphasizing sincerity in divine service.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Berachos 17a) connects this verse to the idea that Torah study must lead to action, as hearing (tishma) implies implementation.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 8) interprets "to do that which is right" as including ethical behavior beyond strict halachic requirements, such as acts of kindness (gemilus chasadim).

Theological Implications

The verse underscores that mitzvot are not arbitrary but reflect divine wisdom. As the Sforno notes, "right in the eyes of the Lord" means actions that align with the Creator's ultimate purpose—perfecting the world under His sovereignty (tikkun olam).

Practical Application

This teaching urges Jews to internalize mitzvot as a holistic way of life. The Chofetz Chaim, in Mishna Berura, applies this principle to daily conduct, stressing that even mundane actions should be sanctified by considering whether they are "right in the eyes of Hashem."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of listening to God's commandments and doing what is right in His eyes.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rewards for following God's commandments and the consequences of disobedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God' in Deuteronomy 13:19?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, 'hearkening to the voice of the Lord' means diligently listening to and following the Torah's commandments as given by Hashem. It implies both study and action - learning the mitzvot and then observing them properly.
Q: Why is doing 'what is right in the eyes of God' important in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that doing what is right in God's eyes goes beyond technical observance - it means fulfilling mitzvot with proper intentions and going beyond the letter of the law (lifnim mishurat hadin). The Rambam explains this includes ethical behavior and moral uprightness in all matters.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 13:19 in our lives today?
A: The Sforno explains this verse teaches us that our service to God must be complete - observing all mitzvot (not picking and choosing), and doing them with the right attitude. Practically, this means studying Torah regularly to understand God's will, and being scrupulous in our mitzvah observance with joy and devotion.
Q: What does 'commandments which I command you this day' refer to in this verse?
A: Rashi explains this refers to the entire Torah given at Sinai, which remains eternally binding. The phrase 'this day' teaches that the commandments should feel as fresh and relevant as if they were given today (Devarim Rabbah 7:8). The Rambam notes this includes both biblical commandments and rabbinic enactments that help protect Torah law.
Q: What is the connection between listening to God's voice and doing what is right?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that truly listening to God leads naturally to proper action. The Kli Yakar adds that the verse shows a progression: first hearing/learning, then guarding/observing the mitzvot carefully, and ultimately internalizing them until we instinctively know what is right in God's eyes in all situations.